THREE BAGS FULL

Kind Millie, a sheep, doesn't object when the other animals help themselves to her wool—Bird needs some for a nest, and so do Badger and Rabbit. When it snows and Millie is cold, they all offer to take her in, but she's too big. After Mrs. Farmer, none too pleased (``I wanted that wool...''), knits her a sweater from last year's wool, Millie's nice and warm; but then Bird spots a loose end: ``I could use a nice piece,'' she allows, and Millie says, ``Help yourself.'' The premise is absurd, but Scamell develops it with brisk, appealing dialogue, an encounter with a fox for suspense, and a wry, nicely understated humor. Hobson makes an excellent debut with wonderfully bold, simple compositions in bright, subtle colors, satirizing the silly sheep and her thoughtless friends with admirable economy. The book will amuse beginning readers, as well as younger listeners; and Hobson looks like an illustrator to watch. (Picture book. 3-7)